Ian's Guide to the 3-3-5

[iellingson]

Ian’s Guide to the 3-3-5
Ian Ellingson

Goal of my Defense
The goal of my defense is to apply a tremendous amount of pressure to the opposing offense and force them into mistakes by dictating rather then wait on them to make a mistake therefore allowing them to dictate. I believe in stopping the run and being very aggressive in pass defense, we want to disrupt and cause chaos for opposing offenses at all times.

Sections
1. Personnel
---A. Defensive Line
---B. Linebackers
---C. Secondary
2. Fundamentals
---A. Pre-Snap Reads
---B. Diagnosing Plays
---C. Man Coverage
---D. Zone Coverage
---E. Run Support
3. Scheme
---A. Play Calling
---B. Lining Up
---C. Execution
---D. Result
4. Sample Recruiting Process
---A. BYU

[iellingson]

Personnel
Defensive Line
The defensive line is the most vital part to the way I run the 3-3-5. I believe you must be able to stop the run and while the blitzing elements of the 3-3-5 are vital to that you have to have the big boys up front to get the job done.

Defensive Ends
HT: 6’0” or taller
WT: 260 or more
KEY ATT: STR, TAK, AWR, AGI, AND ACC

I look for defensive ends who are not really your 4-3 DE but rather your 4-3 DT. I do not rely on the defense end position to provide an outside speed rush, I manufacture that through my blitz packages. I want my defensivee end to be stout, not lose ground and sufficiently and effectively take on blockers allowing the mid 5 to wreak havoc on the offensive line.

Recruiting Process: If I do not have any defensive ends that are of my required height, weight etc. I will look for defensive tackles and not even necessarily highly rated ones but guys who can maybe be a bit more athletic then your 330 pound defensive tackle but not capable of playing inside in a 3 man scheme. Another route you can go is look into athletic offensive lineman if you have the time to allow them to develop their defensive skills. I am not a fan of playing undersized defensive lineman in this scheme so I will go the offensive line route rather then settle on a smaller defensive end. Another possibility is to look at linebackers and see if there are any big guys in that area. Personally my favorite and ideal players are the undersized or just athletic defensive tackles.

Defensive Tackles
HT: 5’11” or taller
WT: 290 or more
KEY ATT: STR, TAK, AND AWR

The defensive tackle is a vital part to this defense and this is a position where I truly believe you need some skill, a lot of this defense can be done without really the blue chip athlete however I really like to have a player who fits what I do to a T at DT. The role of my DT is to clog, clog and clog some more. It is also crucial that he is a solid tackler, as he will have opportunities to bring down backs if he is capable.

Recruiting Process: For the most part you are limited in how you can recruit this position, since I only carry 3 defensive tackles you really cannot afford to go after offensive lineman projects and try and morph them into a solid defensive tackle. You can either go the DT or the ATH route. It is really not hard to find a DT that fits well that is easily obtainable, as you do not need a super athlete just a big, strong, solid tackler. I always look for DT and can usually find them however if I can’t I will look at athletes and if I must I will look at offensive lineman.

[djwill13]

just wanted to let you know, nice post. very informative

[iellingson]

Personnel
Linebackers
The linebackers are a position where you can really get crafty and fit certain guys with certain abilities into their own unique and effective roles. I feel that the LB position is the most versatile in the 3-3-5 as you do not need certain type of players rather you can fit a plethora of different styles into your scheme.

Outside Linebackers
HT: 5’11” or taller
WT: 195 or more
KEY ATT: TAK, SPD, AWR, STR, ACC, AND AGI

The outside linebacker is such a fun position in the 3-3-5 because you can really look for a multitude of styles. I ask my outside linebackers to blitz, stop the run and cover man to man and zone on occasion. Very rarely do my OLB’s get matched up with a WR typically it is a TB, FB or TE. I will utilize bigger OLB that would be say a DE pass rusher in a 4-3 scheme or even use a 200 pound speed guy who would probably be a safety in most schemes. It all depends and this is what makes this position so great is each style offers you something different.

Recruiting Process: This is a great recruiting position because you really can’t go wrong. I will obviously look at both OLB and MLB initially while looking to recruit for OLB however depending on who is interested in my school I may look at DE, S or ATH. I feel that your outside linebackers are really extensions of the defensive line in a way in the 3-3-5 scheme because of how much they blitz and the different styles can offer you great varieties in how you blitz and pressure other teams.

Middle Linebackers
HT: 6’0” or taller
WT: 225 or more
KEY ATT: TAK, STR, AWR, ACC, AND SPD

The middle linebacker is a position where you can really get very system specific and recruit maybe lesser rated HS prospects. The MLB in my defense will rarely need to use sideline to sideline speed, he is more asked to be stout against the run and capable of taking on blockers while blitzing and opening up lanes for fellow blitzers. Due to this I really do not look for your prototypical NFL 4-3 sideline to sideline play making MLB. If one was interested in my school I would go after him, but I would not lose sleep if none were. You are really looking for that hard nosed linebacker that can plug up the middle and maybe not make the tackle but disrupt the play enough that your more athletic players can get after the ball carrier.

Recruiting Process: Once again you are presented with versatility when recruiting this position, I like to look obviously at big strong MLB who I feel I have a good chance at landing. If not available I will look at OLB and DE although you can get into a sticky situation if your DE doesn’t adjust very well to being an instinctive MLB. I try and stick to looking at MLB’s while recruiting but if need be there are options.

[iellingson]

Personnel
Secondary
The 3-3-5 secondary is comprised of 3 different positions CB, SS (also known as Kats, Rovers, etc. in certain teams schemes) and FS (also known as a Cougarback, Lionback, etc. in certain teams schemes). The roles of the CB’s are as they are in most defenses however the one difference for me is I only go after man to man corners I do not use much zone and do not really go after guys that would be typically good “zone corners”. In my defense I rarely give a lot of deep help and therefore my corners are on islands and better be capable of covering. The SS position is a very unique position as it is a hybrid of a typical SS, OLB and a CB. This position is vital to the D and can be comprised with a variety of styles much like the OLB position in the 3-3-5. The FS position is a hybrid of a FS and an OLB this is the most important single position in the D (in my opinion) as everything is funneled to him like in the 4-3 everything is funneled to the MLB.

Cornerbacks
HT: 5’9” or taller
WT: 160 or more
KEY ATT: SPD, ACC, AGI, AWR, JMP, TAK, AND CTH

If you think you ask a lot of your cornerbacks in whatever defense you are playing now you have no idea. Actually that could be applied to every member of the secondary in my scheme. Typically in my defense my cornerbacks do not know what help coverage is, they are constantly one on one and asked to lock up their man. One thing about my cornerbacks is I very rarely ask them to play bump (maybe 1% of the time … maybe) and usually leave them in default coverage depth however if I can I will drop them into a deep 10 yard or so cushion. The theory behind this is I will be blitzing a lot so I just don’t want to get beat, if a team is content to throw short, short, short on me that’s fine. I am betting they aren’t and at some point will get rattled or hit while throwing and that’s when my corners take over. So while my theory with pretty much cover 0 or cover 1 most of the time is aggressive it is a calculated tactic and is not as dangerous as it seems, especially with the pass rush typically generated.

Recruiting Process: Athleticism, athleticism and give me some more athleticism. I am really into physical attributes when recruiting cornerbacks for my scheme. Of course I like big cornerbacks but I will not take size over athleticism and always want a guy who is capable of running step for step with any given WR. When recruiting I will look at CB’s obviously first and hard, then I will look at ATH, WR and even HB. I am huge on physical attributes (SPD, ACC, AGI, JMP) when it comes to CB and would rather have a very raw but physically blessed CB over a very savvy but lacking in athleticism. Obviously it is nice to be a playmaker in terms of interceptions however it is not totally necessary. Tackling is also a big thing but will be sacrificed for those core athletic attributes.

Strong Safeties
HT: 5’10” or taller
WT: 185 or more
KEY ATT: SPD, ACC, TAK, STR, AGI, AWR AND TCH

Wow where to begin? Strong safeties in the 3-3-5 scheme will be asked to blitz and take on 350 pound offensive tackles and a play later asked to cover a 175 pound speed merchant at WR with no help coverage. The best way for me to describe the SS position is a mix of a CB and an OLB. I would love to have guys who are incredible blitzers however with how much man coverage I ask of them the ability to cover that 175 pound speed merchant WR is much more valuable. So when it comes down to it I am looking for more of a CB rather then OLB, but you can find that perfect player every now and then.

Recruiting Process: Just about any position you want, really. I look at SS first because they are typically the best for the D, however sometimes it is hard to find ones capable of doing the man coverage you ask. I will also look at CB, FS, MLB, OLB, WR, HB, QB, ATH etc. when it comes to recruiting. It is hard to tell what kind of a tackler a particular player will be (like a QB, HB, WR, CB etc.) so I like to look for the size (weight) and speed combo that I think will do. If I can get my hands on a 210 pound guy (really at any position) that can run a sub 4.4 I will look at him as a SS. I just want a guy that is capable of maybe not sacking the QB but not getting blown up every time he blitzes, he does not always have to make the tackle on the RB if he can slow him up though that’s all we ask. The bottom line is as much as these guys are great for blitzing they need to be able to cover man to man against a variety of positions WR, TE, RB and FB if they aren’t you will be limited in your play calling.

Free Safeties
HT: 6’0” or taller
WT: 200 or more
KEY ATT: TAK, SPD, STR, ACC, AWR, CTH, AND AGI

This is the position I control and I am still getting used to covering this position in ’06 (particularly the man to man coverage aspect of it). It is in my opinion the most vital position to the defense as he is typically the last line of defense and if he is any good will probably lead your team in tackles. This position is more of a LB then a ball hawking FS really, rarely will he be asked to cover a WR (only in odd sets and 5 WR sets). It is crucial that he is a solid tackler who won’t get blown up but still has some speed to get to the play and cover that occasional WR.

Recruiting Process: You can actually find quite a few FS who fit this exact scheme however if you can’t look at SS, MLB, OLB or ATH. You want a guy with good size I like around 210 pounds at least but you can go with a 200 pound guy. You can actually probably go up to around 235 pounds or so depending on how much athleticism the guy still has. The positions he will be in man coverage the most are TE, FB and RB so really man-to-man cover skills are not huge although they are nice. Most of the plays he will be crashing to the line or dropping into coverage to provide help to the most mismatched receiver/defensive back combo.

[DRM]

Thank you very much, we need more of these kinds of posts on here, there are plenty of offensive posts but not many defensive system posts, most of the threads on here are "how do you stop (insert popular play)" type posts which aren't that helpful unless you play online and see the same play all the time.

[iellingson]

Fundamentals
Controlling the FS
I personally control the FS because of a few reasons: 1) last year I felt it was far too easy for me to blitz the QB from the LB/SS positions, 2) I feel that the FS if you can learn to play it is the most important position in the 3-3-5, I relate it to playing QB on offense vs. say playing as a TE, 3) In order to make this D work the way I run it you need to manually control the FS (or at least I do).

Pre-Snap Reads
First of all your pre-snap reads all depend upon your responsibility. I will try and run through the stuff I can think of right now. You may not realize it but reading an offense pre-snap can be very helpful and is downright critical in such an aggressive scheme.

There are four basic responsibilities you can be in depending upon your play call: Man Coverage vs. WR/TE, Man Coverage vs. RB/FB, Deep Zone Coverage (with man under) or Zone Coverage. I will now list the reads I make for each style of coverage.

Man Coverage vs. WR/TE
This is the type of coverage that will involve the least pre-snap reads, obviously you want to have a feel and a guess as to what the offense will do. However due to the fact that you are in man coverage with a legitimate receiving threat you need to focus on that man coverage responsibility. The only read I would make here is in the event that it is a screen pass or in the event that the TE does not go out who am I going to help out with in coverage I choose a WR/TE etc. and that way if this situation comes up I am not lost.

Man Coverage vs. RB/FB
Depending upon the style of the opponent and the caliber of their backs my reads will change. When I am matched up in man to man coverage against a RB I will elect a DB to help in coverage vs. a WR/TE, I will only go into this help coverage if A) my RB does not go into a pass route or B) my RB does go into a pass route but is a middle short route in which there are enough support players around to make the tackle for a minimal gain. So pre-snap I elect which DB I am going to help out, the one who I feel could be exploited the most.

Deep Zone Coverage
Once again depending upon the coverage call my reads change. If I am in a cover 1 deep coverage I will identify a DB to help in coverage against a WR/TE, once again one who I feel could be exploited. If I just want to give overall help though I can always drop into the deep cover 1 zone.

Zone Coverage
Zone coverage is rather easy because you really do not need to make many reads other then making an educated guess as to what the opposing offense is going to try and do. One optional read you can make is to whether bite on a play action fake, in otherwise you can view the opposing offensive formation and your current zone call and decide whether or not you will bite on a play action fake.

For the most part pre-snap reads all come down to deciding who you will help out in the event you are in position to do so. You always want to have a purpose, getting lost in this defense can cause big plays.

Diagnosing Plays
There are a few ways to diagnose a play, really it can be a personal thing or a responsibility dictated thing. The one thing about being the FS in the 3-3-5 is you have a lot of freedom typically to try and diagnose a play with a little recklessness.

Man Coverage vs. WR/TE
The one coverage where I really try not to immediately diagnose a play is when I am in man coverage vs. a WR/TE because if I bite incorrectly I could get burned.

Man Coverage vs. RB/FB
When I am in man coverage vs. a RB/FB it is very easy to watch your responsibility (RB/FB) and diagnose their early movements, if I read run and I am in man coverage vs. a RB/FB I will treat it as a run even if it is play action. I will discuss more later on how to properly attack a play once you diagnose it.

Deep Zone Coverage
When I am in deep zone coverage I will usually watch the weak side offensive guard and read his movements. Once again depending upon the coverage, situation, etc. you may want to or not read any sign of run as run, for instance if a guard pulls and I read that as run and therefore hit the line like a run and it is a play action I am leaving my secondary in man to man cover 0. Personally I take this risk a lot of the times as I believe in stopping the run and hopefully I will get enough pressure if it is a play action on the QB to disrupt anything deep.

Zone Coverage
With an all out zone coverage you have to decide whether or not you will even react to anything you read, but in the event you do diagnose this play I use the same method as the deep zone coverage and that is to read the weak side offensive guard.

Reading the weak side OG
The indicators I use to diagnose a play by reading the guard are the following: if the OG retreats to pass protect I diagnose it as a pass, if the OG moves forward and engages to run block I read it as run and finally if the OG pulls I will diagnose and treat it as a run.

Man Coverage
Man coverage is without a doubt the most difficult thing you will be asked to do as you control the FS. The reason I have found it to be so difficult is largely because I am not totally used to the ’06 version and the animations can sometimes hurt you. There is however still fundamentals I use when playing man coverage.

Man Coverage vs. WR/TE
One key thing I always do is shade my man to the inside by maybe 2 or 3 yards and sometimes a lot more. Depending on pre-snap reads etc. I may not even line up covering my man, rather I may be a good 10 yards to the left or right of him. One thing I always do every play (with the exception of redzone) is line up 10 yards off the ball (this will be discussed more in the scheme section). So if I am facing a 5 WR set depending upon my read I may line up 2 or 3 yards inside my man or perhaps even more. I allow my man to eat up my cushion, because of the high blitz rate I do not leave early and turn and run with my man rather I wait for him to get about even with me before I attempt to turn and run with him. There exceptions with this however for the most part I allow my man to totally eat up my cushion before I turn and run. While I am guarding my man and waiting for him to get to break my cushion I am anticipating an inward breaking route in which I will judge and either try and jump or stay safely behind him and make the tackle. I pretty much give up outside breaking routes and try and just make a safe solid tackle rather then breaking on the ball. A key button for man coverage for me is the R1 button I use it all the time actually but especially while waiting on my man to eat up the cushion. A key thing for me is to be aggressive when the ball is in flight, I don’t mean to try and pick it off but I try and get good position. I have found the hard way that if I am passive and try to be delicate I either get burned big time or get stuck in some stupid turned around animation and cannot make the tackle after he catches it. I would much rather get a pass interference penalty or make a play on the ball then the previous mentioned. It is vital for you to know down, distance, situation etc. this will really be helpful for a general of knowledge as to how to play certain routes. Man coverage is not easy and is probably the most difficult thing about controlling the FS, my goal is to make it look like my man is covered so that the CPU QB doesn’t test me.

Man Coverage vs. RB/FB
Man coverage vs. a RB/FB is quite a bit different then a WR/TE. With the RB/FB I take the philosophy that I have no desire to make a play on the ball unless the back threatens me deep, if they do indeed threaten me deep then I go into man coverage as if it were a WR/TE. I never adjust my pre-snap alignment due to my man coverage on a RB/FB. If a RB/FB goes out on a flat route I will cautiously follow them out there increasing my distance from my pre-snap position to the line of scrimmage by about 2-3 yards, however while I am shadowing them I am watching all the other receivers and DB’s during the player to see if I can provide help anywhere. I am not going to beat myself up if a back gets a flare pass for 7 or so yards. If the back does catch a flat route my goal is to force him to the outside and keep inside contain (sounds weird but it’s how I do it). If the back runs a short route that breaks off 4-5 yards in front of the line of scrimmage I will move up on him and get 2 yards behind him. The key thing though is if the QB opts to throw it to him, I will not go after him to tackle him rather I will funnel him inside (always holding R1 when funneling guys or holding contain) and let him come into me rather then go after him. I would rather the guy get a 2 yard RAC every play rather then a 70 yard TD play because I tried to jack him up and got burned.

[iellingson]

Zone Coverage
All out zone coverage with the FS is the really one opportunity you have to make plays on the ball. One thing I always do while in zone coverage is hold the R1 button to keep my chest square with the line of scrimmage, the only time I will not do this is while I am getting depth in a deep coverage. Once again pre-snap reads are important for zone coverage so you can anticipate who might be entering your zone. I generally try and play behind guys in my zone and shadow them as they pass through, the reason I play behind them is so that if the QB tries to go over my head he will have a harder time finding the deeper seam. Once again I will hopefully be getting pressure with my blitz package so there is really no need to worry about dink and dunk passes. I really suggest though holding R1 while in zone coverage because keeping your shoulders square to the line of scrimmage allows you a great deal of mobility when a pass is thrown. Zone coverage is fairly easy though and does not need much explanation.

Run Support
This is the big daddy responsibility for the FS in my scheme. It is vital to know how to provide proper and fundamentally sound run support, as you are typically the last line of defense.

Know Your Responsibility
Like mentioned before in the pre-snap reads/diagnosing plays section you must know your responsibility and whether or not you should provide immediate run support. The situations in which I provide run support immediately are man coverage vs. RB/FB and deep zone coverage with man under. I will only provide run support in man coverage vs. WR/TE if I am 100% certain that the RB has the ball and his intentions are to run it. I will sometimes provide immediate run support from an all out zone coverage depending upon my role in the zone.

How to Properly React to Run
The worst thing you can do is read run and charge in like a mad man trying to make a big hit or just a reckless hit. You must always break down before hitting the line (to break down I hit R1 to square up). I am not saying to go cautiously up to the line as that does no good I want to charge and hit that line hard but I want to be in a controlled manner and break down so that the RB doesn’t run right past me. Your pursuit angle is vital as well to run support, I always shade the RB a little bit to the outside of him whether the run is in-between the tackles or a toss to the outside I believe 100% in forcing him inside and keeping contain. This is not a full proof strategy because if you do get blocked up and for some reason your support players are in trouble the back can bust it good, but it is a lot more effective then shading a back to the inside and giving him the outside. Containment is vital on tosses etc. When defending the option if I am the first person on the scene my goal is to wipe out the QB, I can’t really worry about what the RB is going to do if he gets the pitch because that is out of my control and if I don’t stop the QB who’s to say the RB will ever get the ball.

So in summary when providing run support act on instinct however you must do it in a controlled manner because like I have said time and time again you are the last line of defense. If you get this down you will likely be the leading tackler on your team as everything does kind of get funneled to you. You will have plenty of opportunities to be one on one with a back, it’s how you treat that split second that will decide your success.

[BluEStorm_47]

DAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYYYUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMM M....Thank you so very much my man...

[Volunteer77]

Good stuff. Is there any difference to this online? I was thinking of trying out this D for some of the option teams i face.

[A Disciple]

iellingson, bro... this is what a breakdown is suppose to look like. Good stuff here dog.

Now do 2 things for me. 1.) Tell me what teams you feel have the personnel to run an effective 335. 2.) Give us some of the plays you like to run, in what situations you like to run them, how you set them up and why. (I may be asking a lot. i know you already have put in mad work, but if you have time, oblige me.)

P.S. - I want to add that this is the way to come onto a forum!!!! LOL This guy has like 6 posts or something and is coming with info like this. LOL Ususally a post from a new poster is something like "What plays are good to run?" or "How can I stop Vince Young?" LOL

[Volunteer77]

yes.....Can you expand more on what A Disciple asked about. i want to add to my D tool kit. which I catch myself in a LOT of 4-3 right now.

[riTzy]

Beautiful stuff Ian :)

[TrojanNole]

Awesome! Great Great post! Thanks.

[Melton82]

Keep it up man.........defensive info is greatly appreciated

[iellingson]

I will be adding more today.

[iellingson]

What teams have the personnel to run this scheme?

Well that’s a tough one for me to answer, because I personally feel they you can really fit guys into this scheme rather then having to have guys to make the scheme. Basically what I do typically is I will just move a DT over to DE or move that stud DE who is undersized to LB-CB to SS etc. You will lose OVR points but I don’t pay much attention to OVR when I am playing the game, if I am simulating then yes but if I am actually playing the game I look at individual attributes a lot more then I look at good OVR’s.

Scheme
Scheme is what makes this defense do what it do, you may not have the elite athletes like a USC or Oklahoma, but via scheme you can manufacture pressure and make yourself a good defense. In this section I will be going over the following elements to how I run my scheme: Play Calling, Lining Up, Execution and Result.

Play Calling
Play calling is a vital element to any defense but it really is for the 3-3-5, what I do when I make play calls is I basically try and guess (an educated guess, but a guess none the less) what the offense is going to try and do. I will go over the plays I really like in certain situations and I will also go over general play calling tips.

First of all I am in practice mode and have 2 controllers in my PS2 I am going to randomly pick a play out of a certain formation and show you the call I would make.

First Play: Offense selects out of Ace-Normal
My Call: SS Dogs
Breakdown: Depending on down/distance I treat this formation as a running formation and since I know that the max WR’s they will have will be 2 and I feel comfortable with my LB’s covering the TE’s I will go ahead and blitz my two SS in an attempt to contain everything to the inside in the event it’s a run and stop the middle.
Result: The result was a play action pass my Left SS was able to sack the QB for a loss.

Second Play: Offense selects out of Ace-Spread
My Call: Middle Blitz
Breakdown: Basically I do not want any of my LB’s in coverage against any WR’s and with the spread formation I want to try and apply pressure. What is going to happen in this blitz is hopefully the MLB will take on the RG and allow the LOLB to blitz free, now they will have a back in the backfield so I am just pretty much leaving it up to skill from there. Either my guy will get slowed down by the block or he will beat the block and provide pressure to the QB.
Result: The result was a run behind the RG side the LOLB came free and made the tackle.

Now I will start to breakdown plays and what calls I use them for and why.

Middle Blitz
RE: Rush, DT: Rush, LE: Rush, RLB: Blitz, MLB: Blitz, LLB: Blitz, RCB: Man, RSS: Man, FS: Man, LSS: Man, LCB: Man

The “Middle Blitz” is a great blitz for spread teams, what you are doing is freeing up either your RLB or your LLB (depends on which side the MLB blitzes) to be either untouched or 1 on 1 with a RB. This is a cover 0 coverage that will put every man into man coverage, whenever a team goes 5 WR I usually use this because that means that I know for a fact one of my outside linebackers will be free and the QB will only have so much time to throw the ball, therefore I am dictating and he is not.

3 Deep Switch
RE: Rush, DT: Rush, LE: Rush, RLB: Mid Zone, MLB: Mid Zone, LLB: Mid Zone, RCB: Mid Zone, RSS: Deep Zone, FS: Deep Zone, LSS: Deep Zone, LCB: Mid Zone

The “3 Deep Switch” drops your 3 safeties into 3 deep zones. I like to use this coverage only when I am playing very safe. You will only have a 3 man rush and basically you are at the mercy of the offense. I do not use this call often, however I do use it on occasion.

Cover 2 Man
RE: Rush, DT: Rush, LE: Rush, RLB: Blitz, MLB: Man, LLB: Man, RCB: Man, RSS: Man, FS: Deep Zone, LSS: Deep Zone, LCB: Man

The “Cover 2 Man” is really a 4-3 cover 2 coverage, you are rushing 4 guys dropping 7 into coverage and 2 men are going deep. The one thing you will learn in the 3-3-5 is often times you have to flip the play post call so that you do not put a SS guarding a FB and a LB in man coverage with a WR (something I always try and avoid). This call is alright, the pressure is inconsistent and once again you are at the mercy of the offense and you are not really dictating.

SS Dogs
RE: Rush, DT: Rush, LE: Rush, RLB: Man, MLB: Man, LLB: Man, RCB: Man, RSS: Blitz, FS: Deep Zone, LSS: Blitz, LCB: Man

The “SS Dogs” is one of the best run stopping defenses against a 2 back set. What you are doing is forcing everything to the middle because your SS will have contain. Something I often like to do here is audible my DL to pinch in this really makes it tough to run against. You guys may call me crazy to but this is often times my goalline D, what I do is tell the DL to pinch down (not actually physically move but change their rush angle) and blitz all my LB’s. That leaves you with basically a 3 man coverage your corners will be playing the outside guys and you will often times lurk in the middle reading run or pass etc. This is one of my favorite calls as it is a great stop against the run and I suggest using this against 2 WR sets a lot.

Cover 3 Zone
RE: Rush, DT: Rush, LE: Rush, RLB: Mid Zone, MLB: Mid Zone, LLB: Mid Zone, RCB: Deep Zone, RSS: Mid Zone, FS: Deep Zone, LSS: Mid Zone, LCB: Deep Zone

The “Cover 3 Zone” is really an alteration on the “3 Deep Switch.” They both do the same thing however this coverage drops the CB into deep zone rather then the SS. I will call this as well however like I said before I do not like not dictating and only use this call when I can reason with myself to be extremely cautious.

Cover 2 Zone
RE: Rush, DT: Rush, LE: Rush, RLB: Mid Zone, MLB: Mid Zone, LLB: Mid Zone, RCB: Deep Zone, RSS: Mid Zone, FS: Mid Zone, LSS: Mid Zone, LCB: Deep Zone

The “Cover 2 Zone” is once again a very cautious coverage and you can still get burned. I will use this coverage from time to time though, one instance when I use it is if I have backed a team up in the redzone and it is say 3rd and Goal from the 12 and I know the run is out of the picture so I will drop into this or a cover 3. The risky thing about zones especially out of the 3-3-5 is your 3 man rush likely won’t generate much pressure and if you give the QB time to break a zone down they can do it. The other risky thing about zones is it is easy to run against them so you have to be very careful when you call them.

All Out Blitz
RE: Rush, DT: Rush, LE: Rush, RLB: Blitz, MLB: Blitz, LLB: Blitz, RCB: Deep Zone, RSS: Blitz, FS: Deep Zone, LSS: Blitz, LCB: Deep Zone

The “All Out Blitz” one of my favorite plays, now after reading this guide you kind of get my philosophy and you should know that I love this play. Just because I love this play does not mean I call it all the time though there are very select moments but there are indeed moments to call this. This play requires you to be one hell of a tackler from that FS position because most likely the QB will get the ball off and odds are it might just be complete the great thing is it will be complete short and you MUST make the tackle. I call this in 3rd and long situations when I really do not feel like giving the offense a chance to make a play, so I dictate to them listen you are going to throw the ball you might even complete it but it’s going to be short and I am going to be waiting for you. This is a risky play though because if you miss that tackle you could be toast.

Cover 2 MLB Spy
RE: Rush, DT: Rush, LE: Rush, RLB: Mid Zone, MLB: QB Spy, LLB: Mid Zone, RCB: Deep Zone, RSS: Mid Zone, FS: Mid Zone, LSS: Mid Zone, LCB: Deep Zone

The “Cover 2 MLB Spy” is once again a very passive zone coverage that I rarely if ever use. You can see the only difference is the MLB is spying rather then dropping into a zone. You can morph this D into what you want, however I am a man to man guy and that’s what I stick with.

[iellingson]

Double X
RE: Rush, DT: Rush, LE: Rush, RLB: Man, MLB: Man, LLB: Mid Zone, RCB: Man, RSS: Double Man, FS: Deep Zone, LSS: Man, LCB: Man

The “Double X” is really only used for me when I flat out cannot stop a guy. I don’t like this a whole lot because I really lose my freedom to blitz. One thing once again you must be careful with is not to get that LB matched up with a WR. Since you only have 3 DB’s available for man coverage (RCB, LSS and LCB) you have to be select when you call this.

Fire Green
RE: Rush, DT: Rush, LE: Rush, RLB: Blitz Outside, MLB: Blitz, LLB: Man, RCB: Man, RSS: Blitz Inside, FS: Man, LSS: Man, LCB: Man

The “Fire Green” call is one I like, I don’t use it a ton but I do indeed like it. You have to be very aware when calling this though and can really only call it against 3 WR sets or less. You must identify where that 3rd WR is too and flip the coverage accordingly so your LB doesn’t get stuck one on one with him. The setup to this blitz is a little different and I will explain more later but I move my blitzing OLB a little to the outside and my blitzing SS a little further away from the line and a little more to the inside this way my OLB and SS do not hit each other when performing the blitz. This blitz does not create immediate pressure but will almost always send a man free the key though is coverage downfield.

Monster 2
RE: Rush, DT: Rush, LE: Rush, RLB: Blitz, MLB: Mid Zone, LLB: Blitz Outside, RCB: Mid Zone, RSS: Mid Zone, FS: Deep Zone, LSS: Deep Zone, LCB: Mid Zone

The “Monster 2” is one of the zones I do like to call. Largely because I am pressuring with 5 men and that means for the most part I am typically dictating. The one problem with this blitz is it can be blocked up and if it is you may be in trouble because zones can be picked apart. This is a call I will use from time to time but really I only use it when I am not too worried about getting beat deep (so from the 35 or so in) otherwise I will use the Cover 3 blitz call (explained later).

Crash 3
RE: Rush, DT: Rush, LE: Rush, RLB: Mid Zone, MLB: Blitz, LLB: Mid Zone, RCB: Deep Zone, RSS: Blitz, FS: Deep Zone, LSS: Mid Zone, LCB: Deep Zone

The “Crash 3” actually provides a good amount of pressure because it sends 4 guys to a side and depending on the opponents offensive line they may not be able to pick it up. I use this call as said above over the Monster 2 when I am wanting to blitz and disrupt but still be careful deep. The great thing about these blitzes with zone coverage is that they are friendly to turnovers.

Dog Gold
RE: Rush, DT: Rush, LE: Rush, RLB: Blitz, MLB: Blitz, LLB: Man, RCB: Man, RSS: Man, FS: Deep Zone, LSS: Man, LCB: Man

The “Dog Gold” is a very versatile and effective blitz for only being a 2 man blitz. Like in the middle blitz the MLB takes on the guard and the OLB then hopefully runs free, this is also a very good run D. This is one of my favorite calls and I will use it quite a few times throughout the game it is relatively safe but can also pressure the QB and stop the run.

SS Zone Blitz
RE: Mid Zone, DT: Rush, LE: Mid Zone, RLB: Blitz Outside, MLB: Blitz, LLB: Mid Zone, RCB: Deep Zone, RSS: Blitz, FS: Deep Zone, LSS: Blitz, LCB: Deep Zone

The “SS Zone Blitz” is a Cover 3 zone blitz and is also a new defense to ’06. Much like the “Crash 3” you are sending 4 guys to a side the only difference is these guys are faster however you are also putting less athletic guys into coverage. I am a fan of zone blitzes and use them a few times a game. They are not always super effective but they can get the job done.

Monster Green
RE: Rush, DT: Rush, LE: Rush, RLB: Man, MLB: Blitz, LLB: Blitz, RCB: Man, RSS: Blitz, FS: Man, LSS: Man, LCB: Man

The “Monster Green” is similar to the “Fire Green” in that you have to always identify the 3rd WR and I typically don’t use it against anything with more then 3 WR’s. The blitz is a very good one and one I use quite often, what it does is the MLB frees up an OLB to go free like the “Middle Blitz” and the outside opposite side safety provides pressure that way as well. Typically the back will have to decide who to block and you will have a man free. These are the blitzes my defense is built on and you better like this cover 0 because it’s how I do.

MLB Zone Blitz
RE: Mid Zone, DT: Rush, LE: Mid Zone, RLB: Mid Zone, MLB: Blitz, LLB: Blitz Outside, RCB: Mid Zone, RSS: Blitz, FS: Deep Zone, LSS: Blitz, LCB: Mid Zone

The “MLB Zone Blitz” is actually a very risky defense for being a zone blitz. The reason why it is so risky is because you have a bunch of guys playing zone under but the FS is the only guy deep so if the offensive line blocks up the blitz and has 2 or more guys going deep you are in trouble. That being said I still like this blitz and will call it from time to time, it is a 4 man overload blitz like many of the others and can generate a lot of pressure. It is just a tad bit too risky for me to call all that often though because of the deep bomb effect.

OLB Fire
RE: Rush, DT: Rush, LE: Rush, RLB: Blitz, MLB: Man, LLB: Blitz, RCB: Man, RSS: Man, FS: Deep Zone, LSS: Man, LCB: Man

The “OLB Fire” is your meat and potatoes. I use this blitz an awful lot and it is a solid run support blitz. The thing is though you really still need to still make a play when this is used as a run support blitz because the two outside backers are really only going to occupy blockers rather then make stops. That means it is up to your MLB, FS or SS’s to make the play. This is not a great blitz for generating pressure on the QB but it can at times. This is a staple play in my D.

Storm Red
RE: Rush, DT: Rush, LE: Rush, RLB: Mid Zone, MLB: Blitz, LLB: Mid Zone, RCB: Deep Zone, RSS: Blitz, FS: Mid Zone, LSS: Blitz, LCB: Deep Zone

The “Storm Red” is one of my favorite blitzes to do out of zone. Largely because it is really a very aggressive blitz (6 rushing, 5 in coverage) that utilizes speed with your outside safeties blitzing. However it is also a safe deep coverage with your CB dropping and you can sag into a center field zone as well. This blitz also contains the run pretty well for being a zone and really forces QB’s to go short.

[iellingson]

Zone Blitz
RE: Mid Zone, DT: Rush, LE: Mid Zone, RLB: Blitz, MLB: Mid Zone, LLB: Blitz, RCB: Deep Zone, RSS: Blitz, FS: Deep Zone, LSS: Blitz, LCB: Deep Zone

The “Zone Blitz” is a very safe blitz that can generate some pressure but is not very aggressive. I will use this blitz though because I am sending 2 athletes after the QB and there is a chance something could happen, not to mention the fact that it is a very safe blitz. With all zone blitzes though you are really not dictating you are rather giving up the short stuff and hoping to get pressure.

Those are the calls I use most often if there is a play call that is not listed here it is largely due to the fact that I rarely if ever use it. The following is a little list that I guess is a good general rule of how I play call.

Middle Blitz
I will call this against any kind of set the opponent will throw at me, but this is my favorite blitz for 4 or 5 WR sets.

3 Deep Switch
This coverage is safe to call against any set but really lacks in run support so I would be hesitant to call when anticipating run.

Cover 2 Man
This is limited to a 3 WR or less set as there are only 3 DB’s in man coverage. I would call this just to throw something new at an offense, it provides adequate run support.

SS Dogs
This is limited to a 2 WR or less set because only 2 DB’s in man coverage. This is a great run blitz though and one of the staples of my D.

Cover 3 Zone
See “3 Deep Switch” above.

Cover 2
Safe to call against any set but I probably would not call it a lot against anything over 3 WR’s. This set is not a good run support set and if the O sends enough guys deep you can get burned.

All Out Blitz
Safe to call against any set and I really only use this in 3rd and long situations (17+ yards or so). I do call this play though and often times it works, I have gotten burned before but that never stopped me.

Cover 2 MLB Spy
See “Cover 2” above.

Fire Green
This is limited for the most part to a 3 WR set although if you want you can call it against 4 WR and man coverage the free WR with your FS (I do indeed do this from time to time). This blitz will provide pressure always it is just not always immediate pressure and for rushing 6 men it isn’t the best run support D although not bad.

Monster 2
I will call this up to 4 WR but only because I believe I will get pressure, it is a risky call the more WR’s are in the play. Does not always provide pressure and can be beaten deep.

Crash 3
This can be called for any set and actually provides a good amount of pressure for only a 5 man rush. The run support is questionable but if you are looking for a safer blitz this is it.

Dog Gold
Can be called for 5 WR although that means you will man cover the 5th WR with the FS. I really like this call and if a team does spread you, you can get pressure with this blitz as well as provide great run support.

SS Zone Blitz
Can be called for any set the only question with this blitz is the run support.

Monster Green
See “Fire Green” above, the only difference is this provides great run support.

MLB Zone Blitz
The max I would call this against would be 3 WR’s and that is pushing it. It provides pretty good run support for as many guys as it drops but is a very risky and bad schemed pass coverage.

OLB Fire
This set like many others can be called for 5 WR but you must cover that free man with your FS. This set really provides excellent run support and is a staple of my D.

Storm Red
I feel this set can be called for 5 WR, it is really a solid play and provides great run support.

Zone Blitz
Once again it is a zone blitz can be called for anything and provides OK run support.

*When I say a set can be called for 5 WR that means 5 WR or less, so it can still be used for 3 WR or 2 WR etc. I am just saying that 4 WR or 5 WR is the max I would call it against.

[tdc01]

Man this it some good information. Keep it coming. :p

[BiGTooT]

Sweet Thanks

[Kapone]

thanks alot ian. this really helped me alot. however, i have modified your defense so that it provides better, quicker, and more intense pressure. :p

[iellingson]

Still a bit more to come, one crucial element of this defense is how you lineup and I will be breaking that down when I get the chance.

[iellingson]

Man to Man Coverage 5 DB's/5 WR's

RSS FS LSS

RCB LCB

RLB MLB LLB

RE DT LE
WR 1 LT LG C RG RT WR 2
WR 3 WR 5 WR 4


QB

RCB - Man vs. WR 1
RSS - Man vs. WR 3
FS - Man vs. WR 5
LSS - Man vs. WR 4
LCB - Man vs. WR 2

In man to man coverage with a SS vs. WR I always line them up about yards off the line of scrimmage and shade them a yard or two to the inside shoulder of the WR (this applies to all man coverage of a SS vs. WR).

In man to man coverage with a FS it is really a feel thing if I will move him left or right of the MLB. Typically actually I do not however in a full on 5 WR set I will just because WR's are so difficult to man to man cover.

I usually do not mess with my CB's I will on very few occasions, such as goalline I will put them in bump or when I am up by a lot and it's a long, long 3rd down I will pull them back.




Man to Man Coverage 5 DB's/2 WR's/2 TE's/1 RB

FS

RCB LCB
RSS LSS

RLB MLB LLB

RE DT LE
TE 2 LT LG C RG RT TE 1
WR 1 QB WR 2




TB

RCB - Man vs. WR 1
RSS - Man vs. TE 2
FS - Man vs. TB
LSS - Man vs. TE 1
LCB - Man vs. WR 2

In man to man coverage with a SS vs. TE I like to line them up about 4 yards outside of the outside linebacker and about 3 yards outside of the TE they are covering. I also give them about a yard more of depth compared the LB's. The theory behind this positioning is it forces the TE's inside where I am comfortable funneling everything and if it is a run play my SS have a chance to avoid immediate blocks by the TE's.

In man to man coverage with a FS vs. TB I really don't move the FS unless certain situations like I will list next.




Man to Man Coverage 5 DB's/2 WR's/2 TE's/1 RB

FS

RCB LCB
RSS

RLB MLB LLB
LSS
RE DT LE
TE 2 LT LG C RG RT TE 1
WR 1 WR 2 QB




TB

RCB - Man vs. WR 1
RSS - Man vs. TE 2
FS - Man vs. TB
LSS - Man vs. TE 1
LCB - Man vs. WR 2

Notice the difference here, due to the twin set I have shifted my LSS actually in front of the LB's. He is still playing outside of the TE this time by about 2 yards but he is closer to help hold contain in case of a weakside run, pitch, flare etc.

Same thing applies with the FS even though his man the TB has stayed put, I have moved him to basically cover the TE 10 yards back the reasoning is to watch for anything weakside where we are now outmanned due to the CB being on the opposite side of the field.




Man to Man Coverage 5 DB's/2 WR's/1 TE/2 RB's

FS

RCB LCB
LSS

RLB MLB LLB

RSS RE DT LE
WR 1 LT LG C RG RT TE
QB WR 2


FB

TB

RCB - Man vs. WR 1
RSS - Man vs. TB
FS - Man vs. FB
LSS - Man vs. TE
LCB - Man vs. WR 2

Hopefully at this time you are starting to get a feel for how I line my men up. If a safety has responsibility on a back he will play about a yard or 2 outside of the DE and on the line, this is what makes my run support so awesome through this D. I always play off the TE about 5 yards and shade them to the outside forcing them inside where I am typically helping as the FS and I pretty much leave the corners be.




Zone Coverage 3 WR's/1 TE/1 RB
Zone Call: Cover 3 Zone

RSS FS

RCB LCB
LSS

RLB MLB LLB

RE DT LE
WR 1 LT LG C RG RT TE 1
WR 3 WR 2



QB TB

RCB - Deep Zone
RSS - Right Flat Zone
FS - Deep Zone
LSS - Left Flat Zone
LCB - Deep Zone

Ok notice how the coverage really looks as if man, the only time I go away from showing a man coverage is with a blitz out of one of my DB's or LB's. So line up your zone coverage just as you would a man coverage.




Blitz 2 WR's/1 TE/2 RB's
Blitz Call: SS Dogs

FS

RCB LCB


RLB MLB LLB

RSS RE DT LE LSS
WR 1 LT LG C RG RT TE
QB WR 2


FB

TB

RCB - Man vs. WR 1
RSS - Blitz
FS - Deep Zone
LSS - Blitz
LCB - LCB
RLB - Man vs. TB
MLB - Man vs. FB
LLB - Man vs. TE

Ok so you see here that I move my SS's into their blitzing positions instead of showing them as in man coverage. I always do this with my DB's when blitzing I always put them in their blitzing positions instead of having them show man coverage only to blitz.




Double Gap Blitz 5 WR's
Blitz Call: Middle Blitz


RSS FS LSS

RCB LCB

RLB LLB
MLB
RE DT LE
WR 1 LT LG C RG RT WR 2
WR 3 WR 5 WR 4


QB

RCB - Man vs. WR 1
RSS - Man vs. WR 3
FS - Man vs. WR 5
LSS - Man vs. WR 4
LCB - Man vs. WR 2
RLB - Blitz vs. LG
MLB - Blitz vs. RG
LLB - Blitz should be free

This is the same play as called in the first illustration the difference here is I have shown you how I move my MLB to cover the OG he is blitzing therefore freeing up the LLB. This line up applies to all blitzes in which you are sending two backers inbetween two defensive lineman, once again the theory is for the MLB to pick up the OL and the free LB to do just that go free.

[iellingson]

Execution
Execution is that point when you take hours of preparation and put it to work. I believe on striving for flawless execution every play, obviously that is not possible but if that is what you strive for your results will be better. To get the execution of the 3-3-5 defense down it will just take experience in the scheme itself. I find now that I add new little wrinkles every now and then because of my vast experience with the defense. I would focus on the items I have laid out in this guide here before you go and try and add new stuff. The key things are to have a purpose in the defense (in other words don’t get lost), know how to properly lineup for every defense called and every offensive set thrown at you and finally use great fundamentals after the ball has been snapped.

The ultimate goal of this defense is to disrupt and in order to do that you must play with some recklessness, if you do however study and put the fundamentals listed here in the guide into your recklessness it will be controlled and much more efficient.

[iellingson]

Results

The big question is what kind of results do you get from the 3-3-5 that you don’t get from other defenses and therefore why do you run this defense? My answer to that can’t be laid out in statistics, as each year is different with the players, schedule, etc. What I can say about the 3-3-5 is I truly feel no matter the caliber of players this defense gets the most out of every last players attributes, that is something I feel I cannot get in any other defense.

When you want to talk statistical results these are the things you should hold yourself to and expect while running the 3-3-5 defense. Running yards against should be one of the best in the nation, you are going to be blitzing a lot and this is really an “old school” mentality defense with a “new school” look. Sacks should be very high, you may not have the highest rated defensive ends or anything, but due to scheme alone your LB/DB sacks should sky rocket in this scheme.

The ultimate statistic that truly isn’t a statistic I suppose, but nonetheless the greatest thing I think about this defense is the negative plays that in turn force 3rd and longs for opposing offenses. If you are not getting negative plays (sacks, run stop behind the line, or even turnovers) you really need to look at your execution because that is what this defense relies upon. It may not be the best defense in flat out limiting opponents yards, but if you can make this defense do what it is designed to do, you put the opposing offense in a lions cage on 3rd and long as you pin your ears back and know what you know how to do best; blitz and put some man coverage behind it.

Good luck to everybody and feel free to ask me any questions you may have.

-Ian

[Kapone]

best guide so far bro. i love how you went in depth into the whole defense. great work and it helped me alot. Thanks again man.

[skillz97]

What a great post, I have been runnig the 3-3-5 (or the 3-4 shifted into a 3-3-5 front) for some time now, and my jaw toatlly hit the floor at the depth of your article. As a self proclaimed ;) know it all of this defese, i must admit your look into certain aspects of it had me feeling like i indeed need to step up my own game. Here is what i need to know, do you have "coaching football's 3-3-5 defense" book by Leo Hand. Very good read, but not as good as your post :D . When you are recruiting what becnh press numbers do you seek out in your defensive line. In ny trials i have found the higher bench press numbers lead to better str. ratings, but in 06 it seems very difficult to find a DL who can becnch over 500 lbs. So what numbers are your minium bench numbers. And do you ever spread your DL, in the book the Dl are always in a 5technique, do you see the need for this in 05 this worked great, but in 06 I dont see the same results. And finally :eek: you said you should see greater sack numbers, would you see those sasme numbers from simming games and if so what would your aggressive/ conservative slider be set at? Thanks again for the truely great post. Just when i was going to switch my base defense back to a 4 man front, I can stay in my 3-3-5, and just step up my game.

[Gatorz03]

Very Nice! :o

[JSchmooIV]

man bro we need more people like u on this and every board, none of the b.s, u just get straight 2 business and help out, a lot i might add, thx a lot man. very helpful.

[LBzrule]

Very nice stuff man. Let me ask a non strategy related question. What program are you using for the diagrams?

[iellingson]

Very nice stuff man. Let me ask a non strategy related question. What program are you using for the diagrams?
Just notepad.

I will answer the other questions later when I get some time, just got home and gotta run again.

[kbell97]

very good Iellingson, what teams do you play with and do you play online?

[DuckFan]

This thread should get a permanent sticky... It's an example of what every defensive strat thread should be.

Mods???

[CrHawkeye]

Funny that you made this post. I've just started using the 3-3-5 with very good success.

You hit on a number of the plays I like quite a bit. Zone blitzing can be great. You can play some good bend but don't break defense out this formation.

BTW, the best pass defense I've faced was out of the 3-3-5. Slant the ends one direction. Jam the WR, two safeties back + plus a spy to clean up. Nasty.

This was against NC St...

I will say the only thing about the zone blitzes though is that you better not be facing anybody who likes to go long or is pretty good at manual catching. And you had better get pressure, or else...

I played some cheeseball who would just bomb deep to Ginn or Holmes every play. Needless to say, the zone blitz (even the cover3s) didn't contain too well.

On a positive note, though, It's done great in taking away the outside run, especially the speed options. Also can contain fast QBs well. Me like.

[ny1126]

i dont even have the game nemore but that was awesome.... we do need more people on boards like this... keep up the good work

[kbell97]

so in other words CRHawkeye you like to use FS Spy

[iellingson]

skillz97

do you have "coaching football's 3-3-5 defense" book by Leo Hand.No I should check that out though sounds very cool.

When you are recruiting what becnh press numbers do you seek out in your defensive line.I actually haven't messed with that this year that should be the next thing I look into. I will say my entire DL I desire to have an AVG. STR of 85. That is of course my ideal STR not really what I always have.

And do you ever spread your DL, in the book the Dl are always in a 5technique, do you see the need for this in 05 this worked great, but in 06 I dont see the same results.I have dabbled with spreading the D Line on occasions nothing permanent though. I am still messing with some scheme things for '06. I actually hopped online and played a bit and messed with my D. I haven't played online for so long and typically use bad teams (BYU) so I get beaten. However I did have some success although I really don't enjoy it much.

And finally you said you should see greater sack numbers, would you see those sasme numbers from simming games and if so what would your aggressive/ conservative slider be set at?I doubt you would see that number in simming although it could be true not sure? My settings would be very aggressive though if I were running a sim dynasty maybe around +20 or +25.

kbell97

very good Iellingson, what teams do you play with and do you play online?I play with BYU or I do a style of sim dynasty and take over a bad team after the first year is simmed and work myself up the coaching ranks. I play online very rarely and still use BYU, however I get bored of playing VT, Texas, TAMU etc.

CrHawkeye
I basically agree with you, I am not a big fan of online gaming I just rarely get the good gaming experience.

[CrHawkeye]

so in other words CRHawkeye you like to use FS Spy

That's the play...

I don't really ever use it. To run it really well you have to dink around with the safeties. When you bring your coverage down to press, you have to take them back up.

They're not as deep as the regular safety alignment, so even though it is cover2man, you can get beat over the top. (not a sure thing, but just not as safe as cover2man)

And it really works with good DEs as they'll consistently beat their man inside on the rush... Basically, you can't drop straight back...

It's only borderline 'str8' IMO. (since you have to dink around with the safeties and since the DL gets unusual pressure for a 3 man front)

[skillz97]

Thanks for the info, I've been having problems latley, in my two dynasties getting the pressure i' am used to (one vs a friend and one vs the cpu). all of a sudden i cant stop the run anymore, both the cpu and my friend have gone to max protecting on pass plays, which i have dictated that they do, because if they dont... well thats a sack! But all of a sudden iso's and off tackles seem to be working at times were they diddnt. But that is the cycle of all football, exploit something till someone finds a counter then step up your game again, it's chess not checkers! :p

[iellingson]

Sample Recruiting Process – BYU

What I will be doing here is running with BYU through a regular season-off-season (simulating) and showing you the step by step process of how I recruit for a team running the 3-3-5. To keep the results realistic I am going to recruit as if I was recruiting for my offense as well (I run a close variation of the Urban Meyer spread offense).

My Ideal Roster
This is the ideal roster I like to carry in a dynasty mode, this really is helpful for me personally when it comes to recruiting and I suggest looking into it.

35 Offensive Players
4 QB
5 TB
1 FB
3 HR
3 XR
2 ZR
2 SR
2 TE
6 OT
5 OG
2 C

33 Defensive Players
6 DE
3 DT
6 OLB
3 MLB
6 CB
3 FS
6 SS

2 Special Team Players
1 K
1 P

Now I am going to breakdown the BYU roster and what positions guys will play for me in the following season. The position to the left of the name is the position they would have in my systems, the position on the right of the name is the position they had this year.

* - indicates position change

QB J. Beck (QB JR 6-2 210 – 84 OVR)
VACANT 2
VACANT 3
VACANT 4

TB C. Brown (HB JR 6-0 210 – 85 OVR)
TB R. Hudson (HB SO 5-10 185 – 72 OVR)
TB J. Semanoff (HB SO 5-10 215 – 68 OVR)
TB W. Latu (HB FR 5-11 210 – 62 OVR)
VACANT 5

HR M. Reed (WR FR 6-2 190 – 72 OVR)
VACANT 2
VACANT 3

XR M. Allen (WR SO 6-0 185 – 62 OVR)
VACANT 2
VACANT 3

ZR VACANT 1
VACANT 2

SR B. Mahuika (WR SO 5-10 185 – 70 OVR)
SR N. Meikle (WR JR 5-9 165 – 70 OVR)

TE D. Coats (TE JR 6-3 250 – 80 OVR)
TE J. Harline (TE SO 6-4 235 – 76 OVR)

OT J. Kuresa (RT JR 6-5 330 – 82 OVR)
OT E. Keele (LT JR 6-5 305 – 74 OVR)
OT T. Bright (LT FR 6-5 315 – 74 OVR)
OT T. Brown (RT FR 6-4 315 – 72 OVR)
VACANT 5
VACANT 6

OG D. Oswald (RG SO 6-8 290 – 76 OVR)
OG R. Feinga (RG FR 6-5 285 – 72 OVR)
OG S. Tidwell (RG SR 6-2 290 – 65 OVR)
VACANT 4
VACANT 5

C J. Rhea (C SO 6-4 285 – 70 OVR)
VACANT 2

DE J. Anderton (RE SO 6-5 260 – 72 OVR)
DE J. Maddux (LE JR 6-3 253 – 62 OVR)
*DE R. Tialavea (DT FR 6-3 265 – 72 OVR)
*DE H. Paongo (DT JR 6-2 285 – 59 OVR)
DE L. Love (DE FR 6-5 255 - ?? OVR)
DE K. Tew (DE SR 6-2 250 – 62 OVR)

*DT D. Reynolds (RG FR 6-5 310 – 74 OVR)
DT VACANT 2
DT VACANT 3

OLB A. Wagner (LOLB JR 6-3 245 – 76 OVR)
OLB G. Lovely (ROLB JR 6-3 210 – 74 OVR)
OLB R. Nehring (LOLB FR 6-1 215 – 70 OVR)
OLB M. Staffieri (ROLB SO 6-3 230 – 70 OVR)
*OLB V. So’oto (TE FR 6-4 225 – 76 OVR)
*OLB J. Gillespie (TE JR 6-5 230 – 74 OVR)

MLB C. Jensen (MLB JR 6-2 235 – 80 OVR)
MLB J. Williams (MLB JR 6-2 240 – 62 OVR)
MLB J. Luettgerodt (ROLB SR 6-4 240 – 68 OVR)

CB J. Robinson (CB JR 5-10 165 – 78 OVR)
CB K. Buchanan (CB SO 6-1 190 – 70 OVR)
*CB S. Hafoka (WR FR 5-9 165 – 65 OVR)
CB R. Groover (CB FR 6-1 168 - ?? OVR)
CB D. Crosby (CB FR 5-11 168 - ?? OVR)
VACANT 6

FS D. Gabriel (FS SO 6-1 202 – 70 OVR)
FS A. Nelson (FS FR 6-2 180 – 68 OVR)
*FS D. Tafuna (SS SO 6-2 205 – 52 OVR)

SS K. Bills (SS SO 6-1 220 – 68 OVR)
SS Q. Gooch (SS SO 6-1 190 – 65 OVR)
VACANT 3
VACANT 4
VACANT 5
VACANT 6

K VACANT 1

P J. McLaughlin (P)

CUT P. Niu (TE)

Alright so now that’s all settled (this initial does not include any seniors although if they do not play they will be red-shirted and therefore it will change). We will breakdown my recruiting needs prior to heading out to in-season recruiting.

(16 Offensive Needs)
3 QB
1 TB
1 FB
2 HR
2 XR
2 ZR
2 OT
2 OG
1 C

(7 Defensive Needs)
2 DT
1 CB
4 SS

(1 Special Team Need)
1 K

The list above has been updated throughout the in-season recruiting process and the SR.’s that did not graduate but rather red-shirted.

In-Season Recruiting – Targeting
First thing I will do is look in Utah for some prospects, we are looking defense first (I will not list the offensive players I recruit although I will recruit them to keep the integrity of a real recruiting class).

Prospects
DT Mario Scott ***
Union, UT
6-5 310
5.01/460 BNCH/570 SQT/C+AWR
My Thoughts: Looks like we could end up targeting this guy as he is local and fits our prototype DT.

CB Ryan Groover ***
Murray, UT
6-1 168
4.20/190 BNCH/280 SQT/B AWR
My Thoughts: Once again another good prospect for my D has size and can run.

CB Derrick Crosby ***
Union, UT
5-11 168
4.35/190 BNCH/280 SQT/B AWR
My Thoughts: Another guy I will likely target, he is athletic and that is what we want out of our corners in this scheme.

SS Drew Todd ****
Lindon, UT
6-3 180
4.46/325 BNCH/520 SQT/A- AWR
My Thoughts: No brainer here, guy is our prototype SS he can run so he can cover man to man vs. WR and he is also strong big and can hit it looks like.

Now we will head to another pipeline state to look, Arizona.

DT Paul Clark ****
Phoenix, AZ
6-5 300
4.88/470 BNCH/640 SQT/B AWR
My Thoughts: He is very good and ideal for our system but there is a lesser caliber guy who will do the job in Arizona as well and I don’t want to fight elite Pac-10 schools for a guy I can’t land.

DT Kyle Moss ****
Oro Valley, AZ
6-5 290
4.88/465 BNCH/640 SQT/A- AWR
My Thoughts: See Paul Clark

DT Paul Murphy ***
Apache Junction, AZ
6-0 290
5.01/460 BNCH/620 SQT/C+ AWR
My Thoughts: Paul isn’t exactly chopped liver and we will target him if another DT from a pipeline site does not seem like a better fit.

MLB Damien Mixon ***
Scottsdale, AZ
6-3 230
4.65/380 BNCH/655 SQT/B AWR
My Thoughts: We probably won’t offer Damien simply because I don’t think we need this high caliber of a MLB for this defense and it could be a wasted target.

CB Glenn Silva ****
Superior, AZ
6-2 180
4.43/240 BNCH/495 SQT/A AWR
My Thoughts: A very good corner maybe a little to expensive for our tastes not sure if we will go after him. He does have potential at SS as well, but likely wouldn’t recruit him with that in goal in the regular season.

CB Dan Williams ****
Surprise, AZ
5-11 170
4.35/190 BNCH/315 SQT/A AWR
My Thoughts: I really like Dan and we may target him, but I would prefer to go with someone with less stars so that our chances to land him would increase. He is a great athlete but the **** kinda scares me.

Onto the next pipeline state, California.

DE Landon Howell ****
Lakeside, CA
6-2 245
4.65/360 BNCH/535 SQT/B AWR
My Thoughts: Wouldn’t fit in our scheme.

DE Jason Underwood ****
Corona, CA
6-0 240
4.69/360 BNCH/535 SQT/C+ AWR
My Thoughts: Wouldn’t fit in our scheme.

DE Kevin Scott ****
Fullerton, CA
6-2 245
4.69/380 BNCH/555 SQT/C- AWR
My Thoughts: Wouldn’t fit in our scheme.

DE John Jones ***
Lancaster, CA
6-3 240
4.65/340 BNCH/520 SQT/D+ AWR
My Thoughts: I would give a look at him at MLB, but I don’t want to waste a target like that.

DE Leon Love ***
Ran Palos Verdes, CA
6-5 255
4.73/360 BNCH/535 SQT/A- AWR
My Thoughts: I really like this kid and we will likely target him, has a nice frame and athleticism for our 3-3-5 at DE.

DE Adam Clayton ***
Costa Mesa, CA
6-3 230
4.73/340 BNCH/520 SQT/C+ AWR
My Thoughts: Another guy I would give a look at MLB, but really just don’t want to waste the target.

DT George Wood ***
Azusa, CA
6-5 277
5.01/440 BNCH/605 SQT/A- AWR
My Thoughts: I like him as a DE prospect.

DT Erick Culp ***
Corona, CA
6-4 277
5.01/440 BNCH/605 SQT/A- AWR
My Thoughts: See George Wood.

DT Sean Jackson ***
Woodland, CA
6-1 291
5.07/455 BNCH/605 SQT/B AWR
My Thoughts: He is in competition with Paul Murphy from AZ for that target spot.

MLB Travis Leslie *****
Fairfield, CA
6-2 228
4.48/420 BNCH/680 SQT/A+ AWR
My Thoughts: Way too highly sought after for us to have any interest.

MLB Andrew Brown ****
Temple City, CA
6-1 228
4.56/420 BNCH/680 SQT/A AWR
My Thoughts: Really not our style and like Leslie way too highly sought after.

MLB Jeff Ferguson ****
Redlands, CA
6-6 240
4.52/405 BNCH/670 SQT/B AWR
My Thoughts: Really don’t need to go after this gifted of athletes for the MLB position.

MLB Jake White ****
San Gabriel, CA
6-3 240
4.52/405 BNCH/670 SQT/B AWR
My Thoughts: See Jeff Ferguson.

MLB Matt Hackett ***
San Francisco, CA
6-1 239
4.60/380 BNCH/640 SQT/A AWR
My Thoughts: I really like Matt and perhaps he will see a target, only if we have spares though.

MLB Josh Givens ***
Monrovia, CA
6-6 229
4.60/405 BNCH/640 SQT/B AWR
My Thoughts: Really not much interest from us after seeing Matt Hackett.

CB Randy Bryant ****
Oxnard, CA
6-0 188
4.31/240 BNCH/350 SQT/A AWR
My Thoughts: An awesome corner but just not in our market probably.

CB Andy Smith ****
Pico Rivera, CA
5-11 187
4.33/240 BNCH/385 SQT/B AWR
My Thoughts: Once again an awesome corner, just don’t think our chances would be that great.

CB Marcus Berg ***
Hesperia, CA
6-2 197
4.46/325 BNCH/445 SQT/C+ AWR
My Thoughts: Really very interesting he really doesn’t fit our style because he is so big and physical. However I am really thinking of him, not sure though … very intriguing to say the least.

SS William Tepper ****
Long Beach, CA
6-0 210
4.39/340 BNCH/520 SQT/A- AWR
My Thoughts: Nice prospect too rich for us, especially with what’s available in CA.

[iellingson]

SS Connor McDonald ***
Willowbrook, CA
6-2 218
4.43/340 BNCH/520 SQT/C+ AWR
My Thoughts: We will probably target Connor, unbelievable prospect at SS almost 220 pounds and shows the ability to cover WR’s.

SS Marques McNeal ***
Claremont, CA
6-3 218
4.43/340 BNCH/520 SQT/C+ AWR
My Thoughts: Very similar to Connor and if we can offer him as well we will try.

SS Johnny Wade ***
Arden-Arcade, CA
6-2 210
4.41/340 BNCH/495 SQT/C+ AWR
My Thoughts: Not bad but we probably won’t target anymore SS.

SS R.J. Diggs ***
Escondido, CA
6-2 185
4.43/305 BNCH/495 SQT/C+ AWR
My Thoughts: See Johnny Wade.

Onto our final pipeline state and that is Washington.

DT Jason Hall ****
Kelso, WA
6-1 305
5.07/455 BNCH/620 SQT/A AWR
My Thoughts: Would likely go after him, but probably will not to go after a lower rated kid from Cali or Arizona.

Targets
Utah Players
OG B. Ewing

DT Mario Scott ***
Union, UT
6-5 310
5.01/460 BNCH/570 SQT/C+AWR

CB Ryan Groover ***
Murray, UT
6-1 168
4.20/190 BNCH/280 SQT/B AWR

CB Derrick Crosby ***
Union, UT
5-11 168
4.35/190 BNCH/280 SQT/B AWR

SS Drew Todd ****
Lindon, UT
6-3 180
4.46/325 BNCH/520 SQT/A- AWR

Arizona Players
OG D. Cummings

DT Paul Murphy ***
Apache Junction, AZ
6-0 290
5.01/460 BNCH/620 SQT/C+ AWR

California Players
QB J. Hemphill
WR D. West

DE Leon Love ***
Ran Palos Verdes, CA
6-5 255
4.73/360 BNCH/535 SQT/A- AWR

DT George Wood ***
Azusa, CA
6-5 277
5.01/440 BNCH/605 SQT/A- AWR
SPECIAL NOTE: Recruited as a DE

SS Connor McDonald ***
Willowbrook, CA
6-2 218
4.43/340 BNCH/520 SQT/C+ AWR

Total Amount
1 QB
1 HR
2 OG
2 DE
2 DT
2 CB
2 SS

Week 2 Dishing Out the Points
7% G D. Cummings – BYU #5
8% SS D. Todd – BYU #8
9% SS C. McDonald – BYU #1
9% DT P. Murphy – BYU #3
9% CB R. Groover – BYU #1
9% DE L. Love – BYU #2
8% G B. Ewing – BYU #7
8% DT G. Wood – BYU #8
8% DT M. Scott – BYU #8
9% CB D. Crosby – BYU #2
8% WR D. West – BYU #4
8% QB J. Hemphill – BYU #7

I tried to reward the guys who had us high on their list and tried to jump a few spots on the guys who didn’t have us so high.

Week 3 Checkup
0% G D. Cummings – BYU #5
-Cummings cut his list down to 5 and we did not make it.
0% SS D. Todd – BYU #8
-Todd cut his list down to 5 and we did not make it.
11% SS C. McDonald – BYU #1
10% DT P. Murphy – BYU #3
11% CB R. Groover – BYU #1
-Made Groover’s Top 5
9% DE L. Love – BYU #2
10% G B. Ewing – BYU #7
10% DT G. Wood – BYU #7
-Jumped 1 spot from 8 to 7
10% DT M. Scott – BYU #7
-Jumped 1 spot from 8 to 7
11% CB D. Crosby – BYU #1
-Jumped 1 spot from 2 to 1
8% WR D. West – BYU #2
-Jumped 2 spots from 4 to 2
10% QB J. Hemphill – BYU #7
-Jumped 1 spot from 7 to 6

Got some bad news with Cummings and Todd but also got some really good news. Tried to give the guys that had us low some extra points with the left over 15% from Cummings/Todd so that hopefully we will make their top 5 and keep this thing rolling.

Week 4 Checkup
11% SS C. McDonald – BYU #1
10% DT P. Murphy – BYU #2
-Jumped 1 spot from 3 to 2
11% CB R. Groover – BYU #1
9% DE L. Love – BYU #2
10% G B. Ewing – BYU #7
10% DT G. Wood – BYU #6
-Jumped 1 spot from 7 to 6
10% DT M. Scott – BYU #3
-Jumped 4 spots from 7 to 3
11% CB D. Crosby – BYU #1
8% WR D. West – BYU #2
10% QB J. Hemphill – BYU #7

A very solid week we didn’t lose any prospects and jumped big time on Scott.

Week 5 Checkup
15% SS C. McDonald – BYU #1
-Made McDonald’s top 5.
15% DT P. Murphy – BYU #3
-Dropped from 2 to 3.
14% CB R. Groover – BYU #1
14% DE L. Love – BYU #3
-Made Love’s top 5 although we did drop one spot from 2 to 3.
0% G B. Ewing – BYU #7
0% DT G. Wood – BYU #6
-Wood cut down to 5 and we did not make it.
15% DT M. Scott – BYU #6
-Dropped 3 spots from 3 to 6.
14% CB D. Crosby – BYU #1
13% WR D. West – BYU #4
-Made West’s top 5 although we did drop two spots from 2 to 4.
0% QB J. Hemphill – BYU #7
-Hemphill cut down to 5 and we did not make it.

We got some bad but expected news losing out on some guys. We also opted to stop going after Ewing and revoked all his points to put towards guys we felt we had a better chance of landing.

Week 6 Checkup
18% SS C. McDonald – BYU #1
17% DT P. Murphy – BYU #3
-Made Murhpy’s top 5.
17% CB R. Groover – BYU #1
16% DE L. Love – BYU #3
0% G B. Ewing – BYU #7
-Ewing cut down to 5 and we did not make it.
0% DT M. Scott – BYU #6
-Scott cut down to 5 and we did not make it.
17% CB D. Crosby – BYU #1
-Made Crosby’s top 5.
15% WR D. West – BYU #4

We lost out on Scott and Ewing, the Ewing cut was very expected although we were really hoping we could make it with Scott. We divided the points pretty evenly however they guys who had us #1 got the remaining extra points. We are in the top 3 of all but one of our remaining prospects and we are optimistic.

Week 7 Checkup
18% SS C. McDonald – BYU #1
17% DT P. Murphy – BYU #4
-Dropped from 3 to 4.
17% CB R. Groover – BYU #1
16% DE L. Love – BYU #3
17% CB D. Crosby – BYU #1
15% WR D. West – BYU #4

Very uneventful week, but we’ll take it.

Week 8 Checkup
18% SS C. McDonald – BYU #1
17% DT P. Murphy – BYU #3
-Jumped 1 spot from 4 to 3.
17% CB R. Groover – BYU #1
-We made Groover’s final 3.
-We have scheduled and official visit for Week 10 against Air Force.
16% DE L. Love – BYU #2
-Jumped 1 spot from 3 to 2.
17% CB D. Crosby – BYU #1
15% WR D. West – BYU #3
-Jumped 1 spot from 4 to 3.

Awesome week, no negative news at all and we were able to schedule I first official visit of the season.

Week 9 Checkup
18% SS C. McDonald – BYU #1
17% DT P. Murphy – BYU #3
17% CB R. Groover – BYU #1
16% DE L. Love – BYU #2
17% CB D. Crosby – BYU #1
15% WR D. West – BYU #2
-Jumped 1 spot from 3 to 2.

Really no news is good news I suppose, we got a little news and it was good news. Just hoping to land quite a few of these guys we look to be in good shape.

Week 10 Checkup
18% SS C. McDonald – BYU #1
17% DT P. Murphy – BYU #3
17% CB R. Groover – BYU #1
16% DE L. Love – BYU #2
17% CB D. Crosby – BYU #1
-Crosby cuts to 3 and we made it.
-Scheduled an official visit this week against Air Force.
15% WR D. West – BYU #2

Pretty good week, nothing really happened besides Crosby cutting down and scheduling.

Week 11 Checkup
50% SS C. McDonald – BYU #1
0% DT P. Murphy – BYU #3
-Cut down to 3 and BYU did not make it.
0% CB R. Groover – BYU #1
-Committed to play for BYU
50% DE L. Love – BYU #2
0% CB D. Crosby – BYU #1
-Committed to play for BYU
0% WR D. West – BYU #2
-Cut down to 3 and BYU did not make it.

Ryan Groover and Derrick Crosby both gave us solid verbals. We did lose out on Murphy and West which was kind of unfortunate, we are now totally focused on bringing in McDonald and Love.

Week 12 Checkup
50% SS C. McDonald – BYU #1
-McDonald cut down to 3 and we made it.
-Scheduled an Official Visit for Week 13 against our rival Utah.
50% DE L. Love – BYU #1
-Love cut down to 3 and we made it.
-We jumped 1 spot from 2 to 1 on Love’s list.
-Scheduled an Official Visit for Week 13 against our rival Utah.
CB R. Groover – BYU #1
-Committed to play for BYU
CB D. Crosby – BYU #1
-Committed to play for BYU

Great week, it looks to be all down to the wire on the final 2 guys in this years early commitment class.

Week 13 Checkup
50% SS C. McDonald – BYU #1
50% DE L. Love – BYU #1
CB R. Groover – BYU #1
-Committed to play for BYU
CB D. Crosby – BYU #1
-Committed to play for BYU

Both boys are in town to watch us play Utah this week, I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Week 14 Checkup
100% SS C. McDonald – BYU #1
-Soft Verbal to BYU
DE L. Love – BYU #1
-Committed to play for BYU
CB R. Groover – BYU #1
-Committed to play for BYU
CB D. Crosby – BYU #1
-Committed to play for BYU

We got the solid verbal from Leon Love and we got a soft verbal from McDonald, we will throw everything we have his way the remainder of the season.

Week 15 Checkup
100% SS C. McDonald – BYU #1
-Commited to play for SDSU
DE L. Love – BYU #1
-Committed to play for BYU
CB R. Groover – BYU #1
-Committed to play for BYU
CB D. Crosby – BYU #1
-Committed to play for BYU

So that ends the in-season recruiting process as we lose Connor to fellow MWC foe SDSU. Here are the guys we signed.

CB Ryan Groover ***
Murray, UT
6-1 168
4.20/190 BNCH/280 SQT/B AWR
My Thoughts: Once again another good prospect for my D has size and can run.

CB Derrick Crosby ***
Union, UT
5-11 168
4.35/190 BNCH/280 SQT/B AWR
My Thoughts: Another guy I will likely target, he is athletic and that is what we want out of our corners in this scheme.

DE Leon Love ***
Ran Palos Verdes, CA
6-5 255
4.73/360 BNCH/535 SQT/A- AWR
My Thoughts: I really like this kid and we will likely target him, has a nice frame and athleticism for our 3-3-5 at DE.

Off-Season Recruiting

(16 Offensive Needs)
3 QB
1 TB
1 FB
2 HR
2 XR
2 ZR
2 OT
2 OG
1 C

(7 Defensive Needs)
2 DT
1 CB
4 SS

(1 Special Team Need)
1 K

[iellingson]

CB Evan Gordon **
San Francisco, CA
5-10 177
4.33/C AWR/39.5”/C HNDS/255 BNCH/400 SQT
Recruited As: CB
Committed to BYU

ATH Mike Brunner **
Amarillo, TX
5-11 218
4.39/C AWR/C+ THP/F THA/370 BNCH/570 SQT
Recruited As: SS
Did not sign

CB Jason Bush **
Jollyville, TX
6-0 184
4.43/B+ AWR/38.9”/C+ HNDS/280 BNCH/390 SQT
Recruited As: SS
Did not sign

FS Jeffrey Cooper ***
Salt Lake City, UT
6-0 180
4.48/A- AWR/42.5”/C HNDS/325 BNCH/560 SQT
Recruited As: SS
Committed to BYU

CB Maurice Taylor **
Kahului, HI
6-2 171
4.24/B+ AWR/40.4”/B+ HNDS/240 BNCH/525 SQT
Recruited As: SS
Committed to BYU

DT Jermaine Cook **
Ran Palos Verdes, CA
6-3 310
5.18/A- AWR/26.5”/500 BNCH/570 SQT
Recruited As: DT
Committed to BYU

DT Spencer Nichols **
Cerritos, CA
6-0 294
4.95/A+ AWR/29.2”/370 BNCH/535 SQT
Recruited As: DT
Committed to Wyoming

DT Jason Shelton **
Greenville, TX
6-0 299
5.12/A-/26.5”/425 BNCH/570 SQT
Recruited As: DT
Started Recruiting Week 5
Committed to Baylor

So this was my defensive class for this recruiting season.

DE Leon Love ***
Ran Palos Verdes, CA
6-5 255
4.73/A- AWR/28.6”/360 BNCH/535 SQT
Recruited As: DE

DT Jermaine Cook **
Ran Palos Verdes, CA
6-3 310
5.18/A- AWR/26.5”/500 BNCH/570 SQT
Recruited As: DT

CB Ryan Groover ***
Murray, UT
6-1 168
4.20/B AWR/39.5”/D+ HNDS/190 BNCH/280 SQT
Recruited As: CB

CB Derrick Crosby ***
Union, UT
5-11 168
4.35/B AWR/39.2”/D+ HNDS/190 BNCH/280 SQT
Recruited As: CB

CB Evan Gordon **
San Francisco, CA
5-10 177
4.33/C AWR/39.5”/C HNDS/ 255 BNCH/400 SQT
Recruited As: CB

CB Maurice Taylor **
Kahului, HI
6-2 171
4.24/B+ AWR/40.4”/B+ HNDS/240 BNCH/525 SQT
Recruited As: SS

FS Jeffrey Cooper ***
Salt Lake City, UT
6-0 180
4.48/A- AWR/42.5”/C HNDS/325 BNCH/560 SQT
Recruited As: SS

[skillz97]

another great post, and some great info. I too have been able to return my version of the 3-3-5 back to it's proper level of intimidation. In no small part too some of the great ideas i have stolen from you and added to my attack.

DT Jermaine Cook **
Ran Palos Verdes, CA
6-3 310
5.18/A- AWR/26.5”/500 BNCH/570 SQT
Recruited As: DT
Committed to BYU

This kid was 2 stars? With a bench at 500 even if he scouted out to around 470 or 480, he would be a beast. Yet another example of leaving no stone unturned.

Oh...almost forgot....won the Lombardi trophy with my DT, over 60 tackles and around 13 or so sacks...needles to say i was able to remeber (after your post) some of the things i was able to do to get my defense back to being nasty!

[BOOBOOSD]

WOW, Thanks a lot. This is some D@MN GOOOOD INFO and super clean looking breakdown. :D

[iellingson]

another great post, and some great info. I too have been able to return my version of the 3-3-5 back to it's proper level of intimidation. In no small part too some of the great ideas i have stolen from you and added to my attack.

DT Jermaine Cook **
Ran Palos Verdes, CA
6-3 310
5.18/A- AWR/26.5”/500 BNCH/570 SQT
Recruited As: DT
Committed to BYU

This kid was 2 stars? With a bench at 500 even if he scouted out to around 470 or 480, he would be a beast. Yet another example of leaving no stone unturned.

Oh...almost forgot....won the Lombardi trophy with my DT, over 60 tackles and around 13 or so sacks...needles to say i was able to remeber (after your post) some of the things i was able to do to get my defense back to being nasty!Great to hear and yes he was only a two star prospect. The great thing about the 3-3-5 is you can look for less rated prospects with certain skill sets and they can be highly productive in your scheme.

If you want to look for a real life representation look at BYU and New Mexico. Of the like 23 regular defensive players for BYU last year 13 were walk-ons and New Mexico is notorious for taking lesser recruited talent and turning them into stud defensive players.

[seanmac]

Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed this thread. I play a completely different style of defense, predicated upon safe zone coverages and front four pressure with some man coverages mixed in, but it's great to read about other philosophies. It's information like this that makes it worth sifting through all the braindead posts.

[norcalstrangler]

You have written the most thourogh thread I have seen on this forum. Bravo.

[soce]

Awesome post man, thanks so much for spending the time... I guess my only question is how in the world do you shift all those guys around and get back to the FS before the snap?

[iellingson]

Awesome post man, thanks so much for spending the time... I guess my only question is how in the world do you shift all those guys around and get back to the FS before the snap?
Just takes practice and practice and some more practice. You will get used to it, I am so used to the blitz packages now that when I do it, it is second nature. Rarely do I not make it back to the FS however if I don't I just drop in coverage with the guy I get stuck on.

[CrazyOldGuy]

My vote for Thread of the Year!

Bronco Mendenhall is that you? ;)

Terrific thread Ian, I must agree that it serves as shining example of what this board and website are all about.

I know you said you hadn't read the Hand book on the 3-3-5 but Ian how did you pick this defense up?

[iellingson]

My vote for Thread of the Year!

Bronco Mendenhall is that you? ;)

Terrific thread Ian, I must agree that it serves as shining example of what this board and website are all about.

I know you said you hadn't read the Hand book on the 3-3-5 but Ian how did you pick this defense up?
Thanks man appreciate it.

I can only wish I just really enjoy and appreciate what guys like Bronco Mendenhall and Rocky Long do with their defenses.

Basically the way I picked up this defense is just studying the little things that Mendenhall/Long do with their defenses by watching games live, on tv and then I tape every BYU game and watch it a good 3 or 5 times. If you guys want to see how great the 3-3-5 can be when maniuplated and how exotic it can be I should send you a tape of BYU against Wyoming last year many times throughout the game Bronco had a 2 DL - 3 LB - 6 DB personnel package where the 6th DB would drop into the box and blitz it was really something to see.

[iellingson]

By the way the more I dabble with 2006 the more I am altering some things. I will have a post and touch up on some of them in a bit one thing is the position rating changes new to '06 and the rest are just little scheme things.

[iellingson]

Alright here is a quick excel sheet I came up with last night.

Basically this sheet shows what happens to the physical attributes (SPD, STR, AGI, ACC, JMP, STA & INJ) when you convert a player from one position to another (this is new to '06 that this happens).

http://members.aol.com/uu98f41/positionchanges.html

[CrazyOldGuy]

Thanks Ian..

That's kind of the way I started studying the Run and Shoot. I've read this year that Long is starting to experiment more and more with 3-4 looks, any thoughts about adding this to your scheme too?

[soce]

This thread is probably my favorite thread on this forum... great job!

I have a few things to add....

Moving WR to CB or FS is a good thing if your scheme doesn't require them to make a lot of tackling. WRs have great hands relative to DBs and I find that I get a lot more INTs with converted WRs.

I would like to add about your defense that I have stolen and maken my own:)

When you call your base play: OLB Fire, I like to modify it a bit and really put pressure on the run and the D. What I do is check and see who the MLB is covering. If he is covering a back then I audible him to blitz as well now making the total blitzers to 6. Further, if there is a 2 RB set I will take control of the SS that is responsible for the second back and bring him too thus bringing the total blitzers to SEVEN and totally unblockable for the CPU. I will often roll the CBs up to bump and run because I know that I am going to get the QB in less than 3 seconds. The only things to watch for are running backs getting out before you get to the QB and slants with busted tackles. While you do have a FS in cover 1 for help, if I don't get to the QB on time it will surely be a first down.

I don't do this on every down but it sets up REALLY nicely against a few formations like I formation. Be weiry of doing this against any shotgun 2 RB sets or pro formation. That FB will make you pay if you do it too much.

[Head Coach]

Yo man thanks for this thread. This is awesome. I run with the hurricanes and I know they have more than enough talent to run this scheme. You get big time props Ian.

[iellingson]

Yo man thanks for this thread. This is awesome. I run with the hurricanes and I know they have more than enough talent to run this scheme. You get big time props Ian.
Sean Taylor was my favorite FS ever to play in the 3-3-5 scheme by the way. Miami has more then enough talent to run a scheme like this.

[iellingson]

Thanks Ian..

That's kind of the way I started studying the Run and Shoot. I've read this year that Long is starting to experiment more and more with 3-4 looks, any thoughts about adding this to your scheme too?
Yeah I will be looking to add some 3-4 into this defense. I will probably even look to add some 5-2 and 4-4 and come up with my complete defense of course the base will always be the 3-3-5.

[Head Coach]

Yeah I will be looking to add some 3-4 into this defense. I will probably even look to add some 5-2 and 4-4 and come up with my complete defense of course the base will always be the 3-3-5.

I was thinking of the same thing. Having the 3-3-5 be the core of my defense and running the 4-4 whenever I need to put 8 men in the box.

I also have a question. In what situations would you want to use the 5-2 defense? What is the purpose of that formation?

[iellingson]

I was thinking of the same thing. Having the 3-3-5 be the core of my defense and running the 4-4 whenever I need to put 8 men in the box.

I also have a question. In what situations would you want to use the 5-2 defense? What is the purpose of that formation?
I would use the 5-2 in goalline situations, currently I am using the 3-3-5 for every down and distance (not in a dynasty yet). Also you will come to see that the 3-3-5 often times provides 8 men or even 9 men in the box. The misleading thing about the 3-3-5 is the fact that people call it the 3-3-5 it is needed when mentioning the personnel I understand that but in reality it's a 4-3, 3-4 or 4-4 for me a lot. Sometimes it is indeed a 3-3-5 but that is not usually the case.

Just dabble with the D like I said if you play it like I do your strength will be your run defense and your possible weakness will be pass defense, if you play a more conservative version then your strengths/weaknesses will be flipped.

[Mr 4-2-5]

I was thinking of the same thing. Having the 3-3-5 be the core of my defense and running the 4-4 whenever I need to put 8 men in the box.

I also have a question. In what situations would you want to use the 5-2 defense? What is the purpose of that formation?


The purpose of this formation is to stop the inside runs such as the HB Slams and HB Iso and such the negative if your playing against a good O-line and the seal your DE you only have two LB's to stop an impact RB. However if the 5-2 can be a very productive Defensive if you stunt and slant your D-lineman

[kbell97]

I like to use the 335 for people that try and do the ole HB slam but won't run up the middle , they look like they run up the middle and then loop outside the tackles but the outside blitzing safeties kill them.

[iellingson]

I like to use the 335 for people that try and do the ole HB slam but won't run up the middle , they look like they run up the middle and then loop outside the tackles but the outside blitzing safeties kill them.
Yeah I designed this defense for CPU competition however I have dabbled in online mode and have had some success. I haven't played much but on my new EA account I am 2-0 with wins over Boise and Texas with BYU so that's saying something.

[Head Coach]

Thanks for your answers guys. I have just got through with playing MVP Baseball for the past few months and now until the rest of football season I will be playing NCAA. I have to refamiliarize myself with football schemes.

Playing 4-3 or 3-4 every down just doesnt work in college football, you need to come up with some different schemes since for one thing the hashmarks are wider than in the pros which alters the style of play.

The 3-3-5 scheme is the best thing running that I have heard so far for NCAA.
With Hurricanes I think I can really build a monster D by using this scheme.

[wreilly88]

this is a great thread, more people should do stuff like this. I only wish you knew the 3-4 scheme cuz i like to use that a lot. :)

[iellingson]

I am currently running a dynasty with UCF and so I am really getting to experiment with the 3-3-5. One thing I dabbled with today in a game was a 1-5-5 set this was partly inspired by Bronco Mendenhall who went with his 2-5-4 set today in practice.

I will post more in a bit I am going to look further into the 1-5-5 and the 2-5-4 as well as a 2-4-5.

[iellingson]

4-3 Pre Sub/Adjust
S S



LB LB LB
CB CB
DE DT DT DE



4-3 w/Sub Pre-Adjust
S S



LB LB LB
CB CB
DE LB LB DE



Final 2-5-4
S S



LB LB LB LB LB
CB CB
DE DE

Now all these defenses I am posting here I am very new with and obviously I would only use them in certain situations. A defense like this I would use to generate some speedier pass rush and would not use against a spread set most likely (4 WR or more). However I would not be afraid to line up with this set expecting run, obviously there is still a ton of fiddling to do for me to get a feel.

You can also generate the 2-5-4 with the 3-4 and 5-2 (obviously you can generate it with any sets these are just the others I found it to be rather simple to do so).

[iellingson]

4-4 Pre Sub/Adjust
S



LB LB LB LB
CB CB
DE DT DT DE



4-4 w/Sub Pre-Adjust
S



S LB LB S
CB CB
DE LB LB DE



2-4-5
S



S LB LB LB LB S
CB CB
DE DE

[Rollbama1237]

iellingson,

I just want to say, that as an avid "stack" guy, this thread has quickly become my new instruction manual! I've worked with this D a lot over the past couple months with my former high school coach (they just implemented the stack this year) and though I've already learned some of this, you have provided me with a ton of info as to how this works in NCAA 06.

My only real concern still is this: the defensive line strategy, or lack thereof. Usually in a 3-3-5, the entire line either fights to get to the strong or weakside gaps, not straightforward like the linemen do in the game. This makes it a lot harder to stop the run, especially the quick-hitters like FB blast or the direct snap.

I've tried shifting the line and making them go one way to get back to where they were supposed to go before they moved, but it still doesn't work well. Other than that, the stack is absolutely fantastic. The best part is having those 2 rover safeties on the edge; you can do anything you wish with them!

Thanks again; this is a truly awesome thread!

[redneck74]

Iellingson,

Got a question on how you call your defensive plays. Do you only call your plays depending on the offensive formation? Do you make your calls depending on the formation and down and distance?

How do you make your calls?

[iellingson]

Iellingson,

Got a question on how you call your defensive plays. Do you only call your plays depending on the offensive formation? Do you make your calls depending on the formation and down and distance?

How do you make your calls?
All of the above, I am truly only now getting into a "zone" if you will of how to call plays for this '06 version of NCAA Football. When I run in my dynasty I run what I call a pre-game prep where I scout the opposition and then in turn self scout myself with their talent. By doing this I will eliminate, restrict or perhaps the opposite and open up a bunch of calls. What I mean by this is if I have a 5'8" CB going up against a 6'5" WR when I typically would run a Cover 0 all out blitz on 3rd and long this week I may run more zone blitzes in 3rd and long to avoid my CB being out jumped by the big WR. This is just one example and not exact at all (as my D requires a lot of Cover 0 and I will never throw it out of the gameplan regardless of the mismatches).

Now I take my pre-game prep into the game and have a feel for the opponents personnel and where I am weak against them and vice versa. From there on out I will make my calls based on the personnel they send on the field (2 RB, 2 TE, 1 WR -or- 4 WR, 1 RB etc.). I also make my calls based based on down and distance as you said, I try and guess whether it is pass or run and make my call based on that information.

One thing I have started to do and you really should as well if you are going to run this defense is if you are blitzing with one of the SS you should flip the play depending upon where the SS line up. If they line up right next to the OLB and over the DE they will get jammed up and not blitz very efficiently so I flip the blitz responsibility to the other SS who will be lined up well outside the box and move him into position.

So basically I use a little bit of everything to make my calls they aren't perfect but I am slowly getting better and better and getting the results I expect out of this defense.

[redneck74]

I normally call run blitzes in short yardage situations. If it's 2nd and 10+ or 3rd and 10+ I'm calling zone blitzes. On first downs I go with Cov 2 Man. Anything in between I make my calls by the formations. If they come out in tight formations then it's 0 cov or if they come out in 4WR & 5WR then it's Zone blitzes.

[iellingson]

I normally call run blitzes in short yardage situations. If it's 2nd and 10+ or 3rd and 10+ I'm calling zone blitzes. On first downs I go with Cov 2 Man. Anything in between I make my calls by the formations. If they come out in tight formations then it's 0 cov or if they come out in 4WR & 5WR then it's Zone blitzes.
That is one area where I differ I don't really have "set calls" for certain situations. I more go by a feel of things and what I think will be an effective call in a given situation. I think I will try and play a few games today and chart my calls in terms of man/zone 4 man/5 man/6 man rush etc. That will give me a truly better answer for your earlier question.

[iellingson]

Ok here is a game I ran BYU vs Oregon I was BYU and won the game 48-27 here are the defensive play calls.


D & D M/Z Rush Result Formation
1st Quarter
1 & 10 Man 5 11 YD Pass 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
1 & 10 Man 6 0 YD Run 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
2 & 10 Man 5 Inc Pass 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
3 & 10 Zone 5 1 YD Run 4 WR 1 RB

1 & 10 Zone 3 -1 YD Pass 5 WR
2 & 11 Man 6 29 YD Pass 3 WR 2 RB
1 & 10 Man 6 7 YD Pass 5 WR
2 & 3 Man 5 Pass Fum. 2 WR 2 TE 1 RB
3 & 7 Man 6 Inc Pass 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB

2nd Quarter
1 & 10 Man 6 16 YD Run 4 WR 1 RB
1 & 10 Man 5 Inc Pass 2 WR 2 TE 1 RB
2 & 10 Man 6 Inc Pass 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
3 & 10 Man 5 11 YD Pass 3 WR 2 RB
1 & 10 Man 6 Penalty 15 YD 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
1 & 10 Man 5 39 YD TD Pass 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB

1 & 10 Zone 3 44 YD Pass 4 WR 1 RB *Dropped Interception
1 & 10 Man 5 27 YD Pass 2 WR 2 TE 1 RB
1 & 10 Zone 5 Inc Pass 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
2 & 10 Man 6 16 YD Pass 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
1&G (3) Man 6 0 YD Run 4 WR 1 RB
2&G (3) Man 6 -4 YD Run 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
3&G (7) Zone 3 Inc Pass 2 WR 2 TE 1 RB

1& 10 Zone 5 1 YD Pass 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
2 & 9 Zone 6 -6 YD Pass Fum. 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB

3rd Quarter
1 & 10 Man 5 Inc Pass 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
2 & 10 Man 6 16 YD Run 3 WR 2 RB
1 & 10 Man 5 6 YD Run 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
2 & 4 Man 6 19 YD Run 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
1 & 10 Man 5 Inc Pass 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
2 & 10 Man 6 Inc Pass 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
3 & 10 Zone 5 35 YD Pass TD 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB

1 & 10 Man 5 2 YD Pass 4 WR 1 RB
2 & 8 Man 6 2 YD Run 4 WR 1 RB
3 & 6 Man 6 Inc Pass 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
4 & 6 Man 6 2 YD Run 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB

1 & 10 Man 5 79 YD Pass TD 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB *Cornerback Change

1 & 10 Zone 3 12 YD Pass 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
1 & 10 Zone 5 Inc Pass 5 WR
2 & 10 Zone 3 7 YD Pass Fum. 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB

4th Quarter
1 & 10 Man 3 Inc Pass 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
2 & 10 Man 3 1 YD Run 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
3 & 9 Zone 3 Inc Pass 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB

1 & 10 Man 3 0 YD Run 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
2 & 10 Man 3 -1 YD Pass 3 WR 2 RB
3 & 11 Man 3 Inc Pass 3 WR 2 RB

1 & 10 Zone 3 Inc Pass 5 WR
2 & 10 Man 3 19 YD Pass 3 WR 1 TE 1 RB
1 & 10 Man 3 Inc Pass 2 WR 2 TE 1 RB
2 & 10 Man 3 Interception 3 WR 2 RB

Play Call Stats:
Total Plays: 49
Man: 36
Zone: 13
3 Man Rush: 15
4 Man Rush: 0
5 Man Rush: 17
6 Man Rush: 17

Man %: 73%
Zone %: 27%
3 Man Rush %: 31%
4 Man Rush %: 0%
5 Man Rush %: 35%
6 Man Rush %: 35%

These stats are a little skewed because I was able to get ahead in the late 3rd quarter and the entire 4th quarter therefore the running game was no longer a threat to me.

Here were some of the Oregon offensive stats ...

Points: 27
1st Downs: 14
Offense: 386 Yards
Rushing: 12-60 Yards
Passing: 19-36 326 Yards 3 TD
3rd Downs: 2-8 25%
4th Downs: 0-1 0%
Turnovers: 2
Fumbles-Lost: 3-1
Interceptions: 1

K. Clemens
150.8 RTG 19/36 326 Yards 3 TD 1 INT

T. Whitehead
10 ATT 44 Yards 4.3 Avg

Now clearly this wasn't a great defensive effort and we gave up some big plays but we were outmatched talent wise and won the game, so to give you an idea of how I call plays there you go.

[redneck74]

I believe we both call about the same. I tend to play a bit more zone defense when the other team is 25 or 35 yards out. Only problem I'm having is positioning my Dogs when blitzing. They keep running into the TE's and Tackles.

[iellingson]

I believe we both call about the same. I tend to play a bit more zone defense when the other team is 25 or 35 yards out. Only problem I'm having is positioning my Dogs when blitzing. They keep running into the TE's and Tackles.
Yeah for the most part I blitz my outside SS's for run support, I typically blitz the LB for pass rush.

[GoHuskies]

Not sure if you check this anymore, but I got a couple of questions.

First, could you re-post that "Player-postion change" sheet... that link doesn't seem to work.

Secondly, what kind of numbers (attributes) do you want from each player. You say, for example, CB main att. is speed... but about how fast? Or a better question would be the S and OLB postion. I know that is asking a lot, but just an example would be nice.

Last, not a question though, but this is an incredible post. I have always been a good offense player, but I couldn never really get defense. This is huge. Thanks a ton! :)

[iellingson]

Not sure if you check this anymore, but I got a couple of questions.

First, could you re-post that "Player-postion change" sheet... that link doesn't seem to work.

Secondly, what kind of numbers (attributes) do you want from each player. You say, for example, CB main att. is speed... but about how fast? Or a better question would be the S and OLB postion. I know that is asking a lot, but just an example would be nice.

Last, not a question though, but this is an incredible post. I have always been a good offense player, but I couldn never really get defense. This is huge. Thanks a ton! :)
That player-position change sheet isn't needed, I later found out that the attributes changing was a glitch and therefore no need to have that chart (glitch in the game, not a cheating glitch).

In terms of how fast I want guys it all depends on what school I am at and what I can recruit, ideally I mean I would want 99 speed everything but realistically at the following positions these are my minimums and content ratings.

CB: MIN 83 CON 86/87 (I really want faster then that but I am ok with that).
SS: MIN 77 CON 82, once again want faster but these guys can do the job as long as they're good at other things.
OLB: MIN 70 CON 75, this position has a huge range as you can use a big OLB or a speed OLB in this scheme.

Basically though if you are playing in the SEC you are going to want faster corners and SS capable of playing man against really fast WR. If you play in the MWC maybe not so much etc.

[skillz97]

That player-position change sheet isn't needed, I later found out that the attributes changing was a glitch and therefore no need to have that chart (glitch in the game, not a cheating glitch).

In terms of how fast I want guys it all depends on what school I am at and what I can recruit, ideally I mean I would want 99 speed everything but realistically at the following positions these are my minimums and content ratings.

CB: MIN 83 CON 86/87 (I really want faster then that but I am ok with that).
SS: MIN 77 CON 82, once again want faster but these guys can do the job as long as they're good at other things.
OLB: MIN 70 CON 75, this position has a huge range as you can use a big OLB or a speed OLB in this scheme.

Basically though if you are playing in the SEC you are going to want faster corners and SS capable of playing man against really fast WR. If you play in the MWC maybe not so much etc.

In Recriuting what 40 times do these speeds translate too? For Example - olg's in the 4.6, 4.5, or 4.4 range, i get that 4.4 is ideal, but what woul be your slowest times, for those postions? Thanks in advance.

[usercatcher]

I have seen a few posts asking for teams that could be used for this defense, although this is a bit harsh criteria, these are the best teams.
All 80+ 3-3-5 starters:
Colorado
Florida
Maryland
Miami
Texas

Here are some other teams with two 80+ SS needed for this defense:
Arizona State
Missouri
Nebraska
New Mexico
Oregon
Texas A&M
Tulsa
UCLA
Virginia
West Virginia

[iellingson]

In Recriuting what 40 times do these speeds translate too? For Example - olg's in the 4.6, 4.5, or 4.4 range, i get that 4.4 is ideal, but what woul be your slowest times, for those postions? Thanks in advance.
Ok this is kinda tricky but let's just say the reported 40 times are what they actually are (so this is pre-scout and I am just assuming that 40 time is accurate, they hardly ever are but that's the price of building a program). If you are a larger school with a larger budget you can afford to scout but I usually can't for a few years until I get things turned around so here are the 40 times.

CB: Minimum 4.50
Keep in mind that certain things would have to come into play here, for instance I would not recruit a 5'8" 160 corner with 4.50 speed but I probably would recruit a 6'0" 205 corner with 4.50 speed. You could probably stretch this to 4.55 however that would mean more zone coverage (which I really don't like to do).

OLB: Minimum 4.80
Once again I wouldn't recruit and undersized OLB with 4.8 speed, but a big run stuffer maybe.

FS: Minimum 4.65

SS: Minimum 4.65

Hope that helps.

[skillz97]

Ok this is kinda tricky but let's just say the reported 40 times are what they actually are (so this is pre-scout and I am just assuming that 40 time is accurate, they hardly ever are but that's the price of building a program). If you are a larger school with a larger budget you can afford to scout but I usually can't for a few years until I get things turned around so here are the 40 times.

CB: Minimum 4.50
Keep in mind that certain things would have to come into play here, for instance I would not recruit a 5'8" 160 corner with 4.50 speed but I probably would recruit a 6'0" 205 corner with 4.50 speed. You could probably stretch this to 4.55 however that would mean more zone coverage (which I really don't like to do).

OLB: Minimum 4.80
Once again I wouldn't recruit and undersized OLB with 4.8 speed, but a big run stuffer maybe.

FS: Minimum 4.65

SS: Minimum 4.65

Hope that helps.

That helps tremendously, Ive ben running into a few snags with my recruting, and that just helps me solidify some things, I try and scout what i feel are the real key postions to run man defense 90% of the time(ss and cb), if i can afford too.

[Catch28]

Ian this is a great guide, Im practicin up on this d now

[blindmelonchitl]

Ian and other Gurus of this D...

By looking/studying this post, It looks like it works well online or against a human opponent... But how is it vs the CPU? I mean, the disruptive nature of this D is VERY apparent, and I can see how this would work against people (like me) but does the CPU get rattled? Frustrated?

I KNOW when you're up by two or three TD's against the CPU, they abandon the running game and throw-throw-throw.

At my next recruiting class, I plan on getting some talent to run this D... but it won't be easy (Temple, year 2).

--------------

Also:

Do you line up in this D every (or almost every) down??

I'm bored with my current D (although it works for me) and need a change. I base my alignment on the number of WR's/TE's the opponent has on the field:

1 WR - 2 TE = 4-4
2 WR - 1 TE = 4-3
3 WR - 1 TE = Nickle
4 WR - 0 TE = 4-2-5
5 WR - 0 TE = 4-2-5

Using the above as a guide, I can do well with a WEAK team (like Temple), but I don't necessarily have my best 11 on the field every play... that's not a big deal early on with a cupcake, because pretty much everyone stinks and "fresh" players are as good as "talented" players.

[M-Dub?]

Ian and other Gurus of this D...

By looking/studying this post, It looks like it works well online or against a human opponent... But how is it vs the CPU? I mean, the disruptive nature of this D is VERY apparent, and I can see how this would work against people (like me) but does the CPU get rattled? Frustrated?



The way I read it, he mainly uses this in his dynasty against the CPU. So most of the info is probably ideally suited to use vs. the CPU.

[blindmelonchitl]

Thanks M-Dub...

I tried it last night (Temple Year 2) vs Tulsa... got beat 27-24... takes practice... DUH!

[Feetforlove]

I love this guide and plan on using it with UTEP for NCAA 09... i might just use it for all my teams in NCAA 09 (using this guide to dictate which teams I use)